Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics

Our research focuses on the physical processes in the atmospheres and oceans of the Earth and other planets.

Modelling

Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics is an important centre for atmospheric and oceanic modelling. We study the large-scale behaviour of the atmosphere-ocean system and its response to external drivers such as the increases in greenhouse gas levels responsible for anthropogenic climate change. Other modelling of the Earth's atmosphere focuses on large-scale dynamical and chemical-transport processes relevant to climate, and on the interpretation of our satellite data.

Observations

We are actively involved in the retrieval of atmospheric parameters from Earth and Planetary observing satellites and their applications. A significant amount of analysis of observations from other sources is also carried out, especially as part of the validation of weather and climate model simulations. Our main area of experimental work is the development of space instruments for infrared remote sensing of the structure and composition of planetary atmospheres, especially the Earth's stratosphere and mesosphere.

Theory

We also investigate fundamental theoretical questions related to Earth and Planetary Physics. This also includes geophysical fluid dynamics by means of laboratory experiments on rotating, stratified fluids, including the study of the chaotic behaviour of a wide variety of physical systems using experimental and theoretical techniques.